On Wednesday 17 June, on the invitation of Brass Bands England (BBE) a group of MPs gathered in Westminster to establish the APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) for Brass Banding.
Following her election as Chair of the Group, MP for Pontypridd Alex Davies-Jones commented: ‘Brass bands are in my blood, so I’m incredibly proud to have been elected Chair of the APPG. From nurturing the next generation of musicians to securing sustainable funding and recognising the huge cultural contribution brass bands make to our communities, there’s so much important work ahead.
I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across Parliament and the brass band movement to ensure this proud tradition continues to thrive for generations to come.’
Drawn from constituencies across England and Wales, the politicians met in Portcullis House to establish the group and raise awareness of challenges facing brass bands, as well as celebrating everything they do for their local communities.
Interim CEO of Brass Bands England Sarah Baumann commented: ‘I’m delighted that we have been able to establish this group to ensure there is communication directly with MP’s to discuss our members' needs, challenges and accomplishments.
During the meeting, we discussed with MP’s the continued challenges of Child Performance Licensing for our members, how we can support fundraising for community brass bands to assist their work and encouraged everyone to join in their support for Brass Band Week starting from Saturday 4th July. If you see your local MP on this list, we would absolutely encourage you to invite them to your summer events.
This group is a positive step forward in raising the profile of the sector, and we look forward to welcoming members and other individuals in the sector to work with us as the APPG develops.
An enormous thank you should also go to BBE Trustee Reuben Tendler, whose dedicated work has ensured this group's important meeting.’
Attending on behalf of BBE were trustees Mike Kilroy, Reuben Tendler and Nigel Stevens, and Interim CEO Sarah Baumann and Safeguarding Manager Neil Roberts.
MPs in attendance:
- Alex Davies-Jones (Pontypridd)
- Ruth Jones (Newport West and Islwyn)
- Ian Lavery (Blyth and Ashington)
- John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington)
- Sam Rushworth (Bishop Auckland)
- Anna Sabine (Frome and East Somerset)
- Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent)
- Paul Waugh (Rochdale)
Apologies:
- Josh Babarinde (Eastbourne)
- David Baines (St Helens North)
- Dame Caroline Dinenage (Gosport)
- Sir Roger Gale (Herne Bay and Sandwich)
- Damian Hinds (East Hampshire)
- Simon Hoare (North Dorset)
- Kevin Hollinrake (Thirsk and Malton)
- Alex MacNae (Rossendale and Darwen)
- Alex McIntyre (Gloucester)
- Robbie Moore (Keighley and Ilkey)
- Joy Morrissey (Beaconsfield)
- Michelle Scrogham (Barrow and Furness)
- Naz Shah (Bradford West)
- Cat Smith (Lancaster and Wyre)
- Kirsteen Sullivan (Bathgate and Linlithgow)
- Rishi Sunak (Richmond and Northallerton)